Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2022
GOSHEN COLLEGE, GOSHEN, IND.
Dear Honorees,
Congratulations on earning your Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. As a Gold Award Girl Scout, you join an elite group of Girl Scouts who distinguish themselves as the best of the best, as leaders and true change makers who have made a sustainable difference in their communities.
We are proud of the work you’ve done, the challenges you’ve faced and overcome, and the impact you’ve had in making the world a better place. By earning the Gold Award, you have let your inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) shine.
We salute you for marking this important milestone in your leadership journey. We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish next!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Sharon Pohly CEO, Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
Program of Events
Welcome
Faith Van Gilder, Chief Officer, Marketing & Development
Flag Ceremony
Troop 52190, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Pledge of Allegiance
Girl Scout Promise and Law
Message from CEO
Sharon Pohly, CEO
Featured Speaker
Heather Herron, GSNI-M Board Member
Presentation of Awards
Abby Schoonaert, Chief Membership Officer
Closing Remarks
Lisa Cashel, GSNI-M Board Chair
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be honest and fair, Friendly and helpful, Considerate and caring, Courageous and strong, and Responsible for what I say and do, And to respect myself and others, Respect authority, Use resources wisely, Make the world a better place, And be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Abby Cichocki Saint Joseph, MI
Abby renovated one of the client rooms at the Emergency Women & Children’s shelter in Benton Harbor. She made the room comfortable and welcoming so clients feel as if they are at home, and put systems in place to continue renovating other rooms In the future.
Olyvia Dodson South Bend, Ind.
Olyvia provided books for children and expecting mothers at Hannah’s House, working with St. Joseph Friends bookstore to secure new book donations every month.
Allison Jones Fort Wayne, Ind.
Allison created communication cards for deaf customers at local fast food restaurants to make interactions and ordering easier and more accessible.
Laurel Kelsheimer Larwill, Ind.
Laurel made child-friendly book carts at her local library to help children view reading as more accessible and engaging.
Rachel Phelan South Bend, Ind.
Rachel began a blood drive at her high school and set up notes, step-by-step processes and instructions for the Student Council so they can continue to hold drives in the future.
Brieanna
Shifferly Monroe, Ind.
Brieanna created her own website to help girls who may be shy find confidence to start conversations with others and make new friends.
Kaylah Snyder Huntertown, Ind.
Kaylah created sustainable ways for visitors to Mengerson Preserve to access muddy or wet trails during the summer, reducing the risk of slipping or injury. She also added signs to the boardwalks identifying the local trees to educate hikers.
Kristen Tucker Fort Wayne, Ind.
Kristen worked with Black Pine Animal Sanctuary to educate visitors on the statistics of owning exotic pets, such as foxes. She made a flip book that details the effects on both owners and animals to help reduce the number of exotic pets.
Gold Award History
The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, recognizing girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable Take Action projects that have sustainable impact in their communities – and beyond. A Gold Award Girl Scout is dedicated to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. The long tradition of this prestigious award began with the Golden Eagle of Merit in 1916. The name of the award has changed over the years, but the meaning stays the same:
1916-1919 Golden Eagle of Merit
1919-1939 Golden Eaglet
1938-1940 First Class
1040-1963 Curved Bar
1963-1980 First Class
1980-present Gold Award
GSUSA offers all alums an official Gold Award digital credential to place on their social media profiles to show that they’ve earned Girl Scouts’ highest award.
Thank you! Gracias! Merci! Danke! Grazie!
GSNI-M would like to thank all the communities, families, staff and especially the volunteer Gold Award Committee for their time and support in helping this year’s Girl Scout Gold Award recipients achieve their goals and find passion in their projects. It really does take a village to grow leaders one girl at a time, and their success would not be possible without your generous efforts.
GOLD AWARD COMMITTEE
Cindy Goshert
Terri Stumpf
Carol Winters
Courtney Winters